CN Rail route between PG, Prince Rupert shuts down due to anti-pipeline blockades

Passenger and freight trains between Prince George and Prince Rupert have been canceled due to an anti-pipeline blockade close to New Hazelton.

The company announced it will be forced to shut down significant parts of its Canadian network unless the two blockades, another one near Belleville, Ontario are removed.

A public statement from those blocking the lines explained their actions are in solidarity with the pipeline opposition movement and are unrelated to CN’s activities.

In a release, CN stated there is no movement of any freight or passenger train at both of those locations.

Since the blockades began five days ago, over two-hundred trains have been affected.

“It’s not just passenger trains that are impacted by these blockades, it’s all Canadian supply-chains,” said JJ Ruest, president, and chief executive officer at CN.

“We are currently parking trains across our network, but due to limited available space for such, CN will have no choice but to temporarily discontinue service in key corridors unless the blockades come to an end.”

CN explained a lot of the containers contain perishable goods, including food and consumer items like grain, de-icing fluid, propane and construction materials.

“The Port of Prince Rupert is effectively already shutdown. The Ports of Montreal and Halifax are also already feeling the impact of these blockades,” added Ruest.

CN has obtained court injunctions for both locations and will be working with local enforcement agencies to enforce the orders.